97.5 The Fanatic Phillies Notebook: 3 Straight Series Losses

Not every stretch of a 162-game season will look pretty. The Philadelphia Phillies still own the best record in baseball, but they’ve dropped three consecutive series wrapped around the All-Star Break in lackluster fashion. 

Rob Thomson voices confidence in his players persistently. He didn’t sound the alarms after the Phillies dropped the series finale at Target Field on Wednesday.

All stats as of the beginning of play on July 25

A bullpen loaded with power arms and nasty stuff has hit a serious speed bump. They’ve lacked command of the pitches that have helped them establish reputations as high-leverage relievers capable of erasing opposing hitters.

Jose Alvarado has struggled to stay in the strike zone. He took the loss in Pittsburgh in the first game out of the break and set a tense mood for the remainder of the series.

Matt Strahm and Orion Kerkering posted microscopic ERAs during the first half of the season. They’ve simultaneously hit their roughest patches of 2024.

Thomson decided on using Gregory Soto in higher-leverage situations after his recent 15-game hot streak with only one earned run. The Dominican fireballer threw nine pitches in Tuesday’s matchup in Minnesota. Only two were strikes, and one flew past J.T. Realmuto for a wild pitch.

He somehow escaped a bases loaded jam, but Soto wasn’t so fortunate in his next opportunity. He entered the ninth inning of a tie game on Wednesday and plunked the leadoff man.

The runner moved up on a wild pitch and eventually scored the series-clinching run for the Twins.

Thomson spoke on July 20 about establishing a bullpen hierarchy before Red October.

The Phillies have collectively struggled recently to produce the offense they want given their lineup full of high-paid sluggers.

The team struggles push further scrutiny of Bryson Stott during a disappointing season over 100 games into 2024.

The 26-year-old’s production has dipped significantly, but it’s even more peculiar to see the inconsistencies in his numbers.

His batting average has plummeted, especially considering he was hitting over .300 in 2023 through mid August. However, his on-base percentage has stayed afloat.

Stott has already set a career high with 40 walks, and his 11% walk rate blows his 6.1% rate from last season out of the water.  

Tom McCarthy mentioned as a guest on The Best Show Ever that Stott has swung less aggressively on fastballs early in counts. He also hasn’t had the same success in two-strike counts this season.

Stott has chased pitches outside the zone recently. Many hitters naturally try to force things when their numbers dip, and he’s shown a tendency to pull off inside pitches seemingly trying to hit for power.

He has the advantage of less pressure in a deep lineup that allows him to play a lesser role.

The former first-round pick has brought the same above average glove to second base this season, and he’s been the most effective base stealer on a Phillies team that’s selected their opportunities as well as any MLB club in 2024.

Dave Dombrowski sees a World Series contender on the diamond at Citizens Bank Park. He’ll recognize the need to strike during this window of opportunity with complementary additions ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline on July 30.

Jayson Stark joined The Best Show Ever less than one week before the deadline to discuss Dombrowski’s strategy.

The conversation has centered around the need for a right-handed platoon outfielder who spells Brandon Marsh against left-handed pitching. Lane Thomas, Mark Canha, and Taylor Ward look like logical fits.

A bigger need might’ve already presented itself given the bullpen’s recent slump.

He mentioned Kyle Finnegan of the Washington Nationals, Tanner Scott of the Miami Marlins, and Carlos Estevez of the Los Angeles Angels as possible targets.

The Phillies have an excellent bullpen with relievers capable of shutting down opposing hitters in Red October. However, one arm at the back end could help the rest of the pieces fall into place for a unit that can carry them to a World Series.